Fibroids are benign tumours in the uterus (womb) made up of smooth muscle (also known as leiomyoma).  They are common (around 1 in 3 women may have some form of fibroids during the reproductive years between 16 to 50 years old) because their growth rates are influenced by hormones such as oestrogen, progesterone and growth hormone. Fibroids usually regress after menopause when these hormone levels decrease in the body. 

Symptoms experienced relate to Period, Fertility or Mass effect of the Fibroids

• Menorrhagia (heavy or irregular periods)
• Painful periods
• Infertility
• Frequent miscarriages
• Cramps or low back pain
• Pressure feeling like want to urinate

Click to watch Video on Fibroids by Mayo Clinic

Treatment

Treatment depends on the patient’s age and circumstances.  Small fibroids which do not cause symptoms generally do not need treatment. Large fibroids should be removed as it may be difficult to exclude a cancer.

1. If the patient is young and wants to have children (thereby needing to keep the uterus), the options are

• GnRH analogue medication
• Anti-progesterone treatment
• Myomectomy surgery

2. If the patient does not want to proceed with any more pregnancy, the option can be

• Hysterectomy

Discuss with your Gynae Doctor about your treatment options

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